Why Labs

[Jeremy A]

I mean really, why is it that so many midwestern folks love there labs so much. I have one and she is a no bood farm dog but I would not give her up for the world.

(((it takes a whole village to raise a lab, but it only takes one lab to raise a village)))

With the hunting post and the name my lab post it makes me feel a bit nostalgic. so I thought this was a good topic.

My Nala is gun shy and not very much of a hunter, but she is always happy to see people, and generaly very plesent to be around. just the other day she decided it was time to play fetch. never once has she ever brought anything back to me, and I never really cared much, but now she does it almost perfectly. Now thats a cool dog.

[EAGLE EYES]

Jeremy, have you ever seen a toy poodle jump in the swamp and swim back with a goose? Me neither! ;-)

[DJ]

I suppose a Lab would have grouchy disposition if you gave it a hair cut like a poodle!

[Jeremy A]

Actualy poodles (full size) were ment to be water dogs. thats why they have those stupid hair cuts, its the keep there joints warm.

So I think we should try to bring the poodle back into its haritage. Who will be the first person to go sit in a slew with there poodle?

Anyway enuff of me acting like a fool. I was hopeing for dog storys ;)

[Juls_WI]

I don't have a lab, but I do have a huge Golden Retriever named Jack. Some people on this board have met him already. First thing I hear from someone who has just met him is, "Wow! That's a big Golden!" His daddy was a big boy too, and his Mom was normal sized. When he was able to sit in the palm of my hands, I never expected him to get so big. Who knew?!! LOL
Now, he eats me out of house and home and I am constantly cleaning up dog-hair-dust-bunnies, but I wouldn't trade him for the world! He likes to play fetch, and is really good at going to get whatever I throw, and bringing it back. Problem is, he won't give it up once he brings it back! He comes barrelling up to me... goes through my legs and stops, so he can get a butt scratch ...(Lack of training on my part, or very good training on his part).

His favorite activity is swimming. I just say the word, and he jumps right up, and says to me with those big brown eyes, "Let's go!" Although, when I get him in a boat, he just lays down. He doesn't even care when I put a fish right in front of his face. He just wants to get back to shore so he can go swimming. He doesn't know how to jump off anything into the water. Or, he is just scared to, I'm not sure.

Marge and Gary Pelkey, who have Merc, THE BLACK LAB (;-)), have a pool in their back yard, and Merc will dive right in at a flying leap (he's so cool). Jack just looks at him wishing he could do that. Jack will just circle around the deck until Merc climbs out, (using the ladder of course), and then go over and lick Merc's face. I wonder about him sometimes. That dog just ain't right! lol

Jack's a very smart dog, and probably would have been a very good hunting dog, had he had the training. Instead, he is content just being my "love" dog. He listens when I complain and doesn't talk back, and comforts me when I'm having a bad day, but most of the time he doesn't really care what kind of day I had....he just wants me to take him for a walk or throw that rubber thingy.

Speaking of Jack, he's growling at me right now..guess it's time to go for our walk...(Yep, I think he did a great job of training me.)

Juls

[Smitty]

Mine is going on 6 years old and I enjoy every minute I spend with her. Good with the kids and absolutely the best hunting dog I've ever had. I'm not sure there is anything she can't learn.

Besides, she's mine (name is Lucky by the way) so she must be the best!!! I quit hunting birds for several years and she has brought the fun back into the sport. I don't think I'd hunt again without her (or some day one of her offspring).

[Bob M]

Juls,

How big is Jack? My last golden, Chester, was 120 pounds and the biggest baby around. One of my best fishing buddies referred to him as a Rhinocerous with fur, he just loved to lean against you as hard as he could so you would have to pet him constantly. I had to put him down a year ago in June and still miss him everyday. He loved to ride in the boat and he also didn't care much for the fish. I adopted a "rescued" golden last fall named Bailey and he has been my most reliable fishing buddy all summer. Labs, Goldens, they're all the same, it's the wonderful personality they have and the look they give you with those big brown eyes that makes them so popular.

Good fishing
Bob M

[Juls_WI]

Jack is at his "summer weight"(lot's of walks)...102#'s. He's very tall. In the winter he is usually around 110 (less walks, because I hate the cold). I know what you mean about them leaning into you. Jack does that too..;-)
In the slow months at the baitshop, Jack is allowed to hang out with me at the store. Customers love him, especially the kids, and he loves all the attention he gets. Your right, they are big babies! Gotta love'um!

Juls

[Mac]

When God realized that there were perhaps a few flaws in the "perfect" companion He had created for man, He created the Labrador Retriever and man was again happy. (sorry girls)

[T-Mac]

How could you not like a Lab.
Loyal, friendly, lovable, and entertaining as heck.

[T-Mac...again]

I meant...how could "anyone" not like a Lab.....